Bulletin #1 for BCGEU members at Oak Bay Lodge

The BCGEU is demanding a meeting with the provincial government to address the surprise announcement earlier this week of its plan to privatize Oak Bay Lodge.

On October 13, without warning or any consultation with the union, our members, or residents and their families, the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) announced the planned sell-off as part of a means to meet a $45 million budget shortfall downloaded from the provincial government. VIHA intends to issue a "request for proposals" (RFP) to private operators for Oak Bay Lodge later this month.

BCGEU President Darryl Walker has publicly blasted the government for trying to make a quick buck by selling off a valuable property like the Oak Bay Lodge site and putting profits before people, instead of investing in health care and strengthening services for seniors.

Walker has called for a meeting of the joint Privatization Impact Review Committee to determine the implications of the privatization of Oak Bay Lodge and make recommendations to lessen the impact on our members. Under Article 36.2 of the 14th public service master agreement dealing with privatization, the government is obligated to meet with the union within 10 days.

The BCGEU will be demanding clarification and details of the government's plans, as little is known to date, and will work vigorously to alleviate the impact and protect the rights and working conditions of the nearly 300 members who work at Oak Bay Lodge.

The union is holding a conference call today with stewards at Oak Bay Lodge. A general membership meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2:30-3:30 pm, at the worksite.

The BCGEU will continue to keep members updated.